Page 105 of Tiger's Dream
“If you will allow it,” I said, “Phet would like to stay on with you for a few months. He’s not as sharp in body as he used to be, but his mind is quite alert.”
“Of course your friend may stay,” Ana’s mother said. “But are you certain you cannot remain until he recovers and then travel on together?”
I shook my head. “Unfortunately, I cannot. I have stayed far too long already. There are those back home who need me.”
Ana’s father shifted uncomfortably in his chair and leaned forward. I could see by his body language that he was going to deny my request. Before he could say anything, I shifted closer to him and, lowering my voice, added, “I would consider this a favor in equal weight to mine for returning Anamika home. Phet cannot travel as quickly as I can, so it would do much to comfort my mind if he stayed on with you for a time.”
I knew Kadam as Phet could hear everything I said, but he glanced out the window twitching his fingers at a bird that landed on the sill and then deftly scooped up the fallen embroidery, handing it back to Ana’s mother. She thanked him and he gave her a gap-toothed grin.
Louder, I continued, “He is a brilliant strategist and could take my place in training your soldiers. He can watch over Anamika and Sunil and school them in whatever lessons you wish. If you have need of me, you can always send him back to find me.” That more than anything pushed the decision in my favor.
“We would be delighted to show…Phet”—Ana’s mother nodded to the man—“our hospitality. Consider our home yours,” she said. “When will you leave?” she asked, turning to me.
“Within the hour. If I may, I’d like to take leave of Anamika and her brother first.”
I rose to seek out Ana. Closing my eyes, I opened myself to our connection. It was strongest where the adult Ana waited for me in the future, but I could also locate her where she was now, and our link was fully open. Open enough for me to know she was a horribly used but still very innocent, brokenhearted girl.
Ana sat on the ground, her back against the marker her father had commissioned for her when he thought her dead. Sunil sat nearby, keeping vigil. I noticed he carried a small sword in his hands, and he stood up at my approach as if he planned on defending his sister.
“Have you come to say good-bye, then?” he demanded, his young face fierce and scowling.
“I have,” I said.
“So you’re just leaving us? You don’t care about us anymore?”
“Of course I care about you. But I’m needed at home. I have good news though.”
“What is it?” He folded his arms across his thin chest.
“Your father has agreed to your training. Both of you.”
“Who will train us if you’re gone?” a small voice asked.
I glanced over at Anamika. Her long hair hung in locks that covered her face. Where Sunil was stiff with upset, Ana was the opposite. With her back curved and her arms lying limply across her lap, she looked wrung out and empty, like a bit of discarded lace, a beautiful thing that had been carelessly tossed aside. It stung that I was the one who caused her to feel that way.
Crouching down next to her, I said, “Sunil? Do you mind if I have a moment to speak to Anamika privately?”
He looked like he wanted to protest but then he nodded and stalked back to the house.
“Ana?” I took her hand but she pulled away and turned her back to me. I sighed and sat beside her, leaning back against the stone monument too. “I’m sorry I have to go. I did convince your parents to allow your training. Phet will be a good teacher. I promise. He taught me everything I know.”
She peered up at me distrustfully, one eye peeping through her curtain of hair. “It won’t be the same,” she said.
“I know. But you don’t need me anymore.”
“It doesn’t feel like that.”
“No,” I agreed. “It doesn’t.”
I heard a sniffle and saw her dash her hands across her eyes.
“I’ve brought something for you,” I said.
“What is it?” she asked, turning halfway toward me.
“It’s something to remember me by.” Pulling out the pouch, I drew out the tiger necklace and held it out to her.
“Is it the tiger we saw on our journey?” she asked.
